Expert: Angela - 6/1/2007

Question
QUESTION: I have a pattern for 18 count and it says to stitch over 2 squares.  It does not tell me how many strands of thread to use.  Would it be six because it is  basically 9 count.

ANSWER: Hello, Lynn :)

If you're stitching onto 18 count Aida cloth, you'd use 2 strands, and stitch over the threads exactly the same as you would when stitching onto 14 count Aida.

When you stitch over an evenweave fabric (ie, 32 count) then you'll need to stitch over 2 threads of the fabric itself.  I hope that makes sense.

Good luck, and happy stitching! :)

Sincerely,

Angela :)

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: OK.  The material is 18 count. The pattern says to stitch over two.  You are indicating to use to strands for 18 count; however would I not need to increase the number of stands of floss because I am stitching over two threads.  On 18 you use 2 stands but on 11 you can use 3-4 stands.  If I am stitching over 2 threads on 18 count, I figures it would be the same as stitching on 9 count and I would need to use at leat 4 stands of thread if not 6.  Two stands does not seem to me that it would cover the material very well stitching over 2 threads.
I guess I will just experiment

Answer
Hello, Lynn :)

Yes, you use 2 strands when stitching on 18 count Aida cloth.  If you used 3 strands of floss, it would make the threads bulky, and you don't want that.  On 14 count, you can also use 2 strands, or 3 strands.  11 count, definitely use 3-4 strands to cover the area better.  18 count Aida is exactly the same as 14 count Aida, but smaller (as I'm sure you're aware).  You insert the needle in the exact same holes on 18 as you would 14.

You can always try experimenting on a small piece of 18 count Aida and see how it covers.  I've used 2 strands on both 18 and 14 count Aida, and still do.

I hope that helps. :)  Good luck, and happy stitching. :)

Sincerely,

Angela :)